Mary D'Angelo Performing Arts Center

Last film: It's gonna be a silent one

Tue, 08 May 2012 14:35:26 -0400

The final film of the Langer Film Series for the 2011-12 school year is “The Artist.”

This film is set in the period of silent films in Hollywood, and as such is itself a black and white, silent film.

“The Artist” follows an unhappy movie star who doesn’t want to participate in the talking revolution that is quickly approaching Hollywood.

The film is showing at the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center (PAC) on Wednesday, May 30, at 2:15 and 7:15 p.m.

Tickets are $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and free for Mercyhurst students with ID.

Only two more movies left!

Mon, 07 May 2012 19:02:03 -0400

The second to last film for this season is “The Descendants,” starring George Clooney.

“The Descendants” is about a husband named Matt who is indifferently raising his two daughters after his wife suffered a fatal boating accident in Hawaii.

The accident leads to decisions that Matt never wanted to have to make, including whether to sell his family’s land in Hawaii.

The film is showing at the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center (PAC) on Wednesday, May 23, at 2:15 and 7:15 p.m.

Tickets are $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and free for Mercyhurst students with ID.

The Iron Lady: Next in the film series

Fri, 04 May 2012 12:39:15 -0400

The next installment in the Langer Film Series is “The Iron Lady,” a film following the United Kingdom’s Margaret Thatcher, as played by Meryl Streep.

Thatcher was the UK’s longest-serving prime minister, and the film focuses on the things Thatcher had to give up in her rise to power, such as strong relationships with her two children.

“The Iron Lady” is playing at the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center (PAC) on Wednesday, May 16, at 2:15 and 7:15 p.m.

Tickets are $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and free for Mercyhurst students with ID.

Next in series: Kurt Elling

Tue, 01 May 2012 17:31:31 -0400

The next big event at the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center (PAC) at Mercyhurst University is world-renowned jazz vocalist Kurt Elling.

Elling has been performing since the 1990s, and has been featured on CBS Sunday Morning, CNN, Legends of Jazz, and hundreds of other publications.

He has also been named ‘Male Vocalist of the Year’ by the Jazz Journalists Association half a dozen times in the past decade.

Every record he has recorded has been nominated for a Grammy, and he has won one.

Elling will be performing at the PAC on Friday, May 11, at 8 p.m.

Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and $5 for Mercyhurst students with ID.

Next Langer film: Jiro Dreams of Sushi

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 22:55:41 -0400

The next installment of the Langer Film Series is “Jiro Dreams of Sushi,” a documentary that follows 85-year-old Jiro Ono.

Ono has established one of the most famous sushi bars in the world—located in a subway station, people travel all over the world to eat at his sushi bar, which is one of the only restaurants of its kind to receive a 3-star rating from Michelin.

Customers have to call months in advance and pay top dollar to eat at Ono’s 10-seat restaurant.

The film follows Ono as he strives to perfect his sushi—a lifelong endeavor that might not ever be completed.

“Jiro Dreams of Sushi” is showing at the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center (PAC), on Wednesday, May 9, at 2:15 and 7:15 p.m.

Tickets are $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and free for Mercyhurst students with ID.

Viva la Danse!

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 23:22:32 -0400

For the past three months, the Mercyhurst University Dance Department has been working on a show called Viva la Danse! which will be performed next weekend.

Many famous works will be performed, including The Dying Swan and Paquita, and will include famous guest artists and alumni as well as current students.

Guest artists who worked with the students were from Ballet West, Joffrey Ballet, Martha Graham Company and Baryshnikov’s White Oak Project.

The show will be performed Saturday, May 5, at 2 and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, May 6, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15.50 for adults, $12.50 for seniors, and $3.50 for Mercyhurst students with ID.

There will also be a preview showing at 4:30 on Friday, May 4, and all tickets are $5.

Next film!

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 11:11:31 -0400

The next installment of the Langer Film Series is showing tomorrow at the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center (PAC).

“Living Downstream” is a documentary film based on the book of the same name by ecologist and cancer survivor Sandra Steingraber, Ph.D.

The documentary tells the story of Steingraber’s private struggle with cancer as well as her public struggle to expose links between cancer and the environment.

She travels across North America to try to prove that the chemicals being put into the earth are harming us in more ways than one.

“Living Downstream” is showing tomorrow at the PAC at 2:15 and 7:15 p.m. Tickets are $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and free for Mercyhurst students with ID.

Fazil Say

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 10:59:29 -0400

This is a busy week for the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center (PAC): BJM Danse Montreal tonight, “Jane Eyre” tomorrow, and Fazil Say on Thursday!

Fazil Say is a Turkish pianist who began playing at the age of four.

He has become a world famous musician, honored with over 20 awards. He has also played with many different orchestras, including New York Philharmonic, Detroit Symphony, Berlin Symphony, Czech Philharmonic, Israel Philharmonic, St.Petersburg Philharmonic, National France Orchestra and Tokyo Symphony.

He has also been named a Cultural Ambassador by the European Union in 2008 and hopes to bridge understanding between eastern and western cultures.

Fazil Say will be performing at the PAC on Thursday, April 19, at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors, and $5 for Mercyhurst students with ID.

At the PAC: Jane Eyre

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 17:59:45 -0400

The next installment in the Langer Film Series is “Jane Eyre,” the newest version of the classic book by Charlotte Bronte.

“Jane Eyre” follows Jane Eyre, a woman orphaned in childhood who has to make it by herself in the world. Jane receives very harsh treatment throughout her adolescence.

She finally arrives at Thornfield Hall to be a governess, and Mrs. Fairfax, the woman who hired her, treats her with kindness and warmth. Jane is also intrigued by Rochester, and her relationship with him changes them both forever.

“Jane Eyre” will show at the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center (PAC) on Wednesday, April 18, at 2:15 and 7:15 p.m.

Tickets are $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, and free for Mercyhurst students with ID.

On Screen/In Person: Paul Devlin

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 13:09:21 -0400

Yesterday I had the exciting opportunity to interview the producer of this week’s Langer Film Series installment, BLAST!

Paul Devlin was on the Mercyhurst University campus all day yesterday as part of the On Screen/In Person Program started this year.

BLAST! follows Paul’s brother Mark Devlin, a scientist and professor at the University of Pennsylvania and funded by NASA, as he tried to launch a telescope through the use of a hot air balloon, in Sweden and then Antarctica.

Paul explained his idea for the film, saying that he had been driving his brother to the train station when his brother asked him if he would document his latest telescope launch. Paul responded jokingly, saying if it involved an all-expenses paid trip to Sweden, then he was in.

“I didn’t expect to hear anything about it after that,” Paul said.

But his brother returned with the funding and off they went. What was supposed to be a five-day trip turned into five weeks when Paul realized “there was a story line there.”

Paul spent his time interviewing the scientists, waiting for the bad weather to pass, and finally documenting the telescope launch.

The challenge with this film, Paul said, was to balance the necessary scientific terminology with the needs of the audience.

“The scientists couldn’t handle the independent film part of it, and U.S. viewers couldn’t handle the heavy science terminology,” he said.

It was hard to please both sides.

Eventually, though, the film was complete, and was released independently in New York City, where NPR and the New York Times gave it the much-needed press for it to become popular. This enabled him to go on the road and do viewings, hence being at Mercyhurst.

Even Paul’s brother likes it, much to his relief.

“He didn’t like it in the beginning, but he does now,” said Paul. “It’s hard to portray it rightly, and he despaired it wouldn’t be finished. It came out right though, and we got to travel around the world.”

As for the level of secrecy NASA portrays, Paul laughed.

“My brother wanted me around, but they certainly didn’t. But my brother was in charge,” Paul said. So he remained.

As for future plans, Paul is now working on a documentary called “Front Man,” which he described as “the moment where you realize you won’t be a rock star after all,” and the choices to made after that realization.

He also works as a video editer with CBS Sports on NFL Today, and has also covered the Olympics, Tour de France, tennis and soccer.

More information about the movie can be found at blastthemovie.com.

BJM Danse Montréal

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 13:50:12 -0400

Next week, BJM Danse Montréal will be performing at Mercyhurst at the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center (PAC).

The group is internationally recognized for not only its dance, but also its ability to keep up with the times and provide their audiences with a rich vitality that is modern and contemporary.

Each of their performances allows for the individuality and uniqueness of all of their dancers.

BJM Danse Montréal will be visiting the PAC on Tuesday, April 17 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and $5 for Mercyhurst students with ID.

BLAST! is next On Screen/In Person installment

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 14:02:04 -0400

BLAST! is the next film installment of the On Screen/In Person program.

Director Paul Devlin follows his brother Mark Devlin, Ph.D., as Mark and his team of scientists try to answer an infamous question: How did we get here?

They are trying to answer this question by launching a new telescope under a NASA high-altitude balloon.

Paul has won five Emmy awards, and portrays his brother and the scientists under the scope of real life people trying to find answers and get a job done.

BLAST! is showing in the Mary D’Amgelo Performing Arts Center (PAC) on Wednesday, April 11, at 2:15 and 7:15 p.m.

Tickets are $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and free for Mercyhurst students with ID.

Two events this weekend!

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 18:01:31 -0400

Hey ya’ll, so there are two student-based events you can go to this weekend that are free and open to the public!

The first is the Senior Show Reception tomorrow at 2 p.m., and is in the Cummings Art Gallery. The reception is from 2 to 5 p.m., and there will be refreshments. It is showcasing the works of Mercyhurst seniors Kaitlin Badger, Samantha Fiorello, Laura Palermo, Tyler Stauffer and LeeAnn Stromyer. The artwork will be on display until April 29; Tuesdays to Sundays from 2 to 5 p.m. and Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m.

The second is a performance by the Mercyhurst Concert Choir and Orchestra led by Rebecca Ryan on Sunday at 2 p.m. in the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center (PAC). They will be performing Schubert’s Mass in G and Lauridsen’s “Lux Aeterna.”

Have a great weekend!

MET Opera: Massenet's Manon

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 13:29:10 -0400

One of the least-talked about Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center (PAC) series is that of the MET Opera: each Saturday, the PAC simulcasts a MET Opera live.

This is a unique feature for the PAC, and one that attracts many students and community members to the PAC’s doors.

This weekend, the PAC will be simulcasting Massenet’s “Manon.”

The opera follows the French Manon and her trials and tribulations with the men around her, her coming deportation for being a badly behaved member of society, and her death.

“Manon” will be simulcast next Saturday, April 7, at 12 p.m. Tickets are $18 for adults, and $15 for seniors and students.

"A Man Named Pearl"

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 12:35:35 -0400

The next installment of the Langer Film Series is “A Man Named Pearl,” a true story about racism and bigotry in America.

It starts out rather simply: Pearl Fryar gets a new job and wants to move with his wife into an all-white neighborhood in 1976. He is quickly informed by the realtor that a black family is not welcome, because “black people don’t keep up there yards.”

Pearl takes this and trims every bush and tree in his yard into a unique and unusual shapes. What started as silent protest has attracted thousands of visitors from across the U.S. and around the world and attention from media.

“A Man Named Pearl” will be shown Wednesday, April 4, at 2:15 and 7:15 p.m. in the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center.

Tickets are $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and free for Mercyhurst students with ID.

Next film installment: Poetry

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 19:14:00 -0400

The Langer Film Serie’s next installment is “Poetry,” a film about a woman named Mija in her sixties raising her insolent grandson.

Although beautiful and refined, Mija leads a simple life cleaning someone’s house in order to provide for her grandson.

Suffering from early onset Alzheimer’s and needing something fulfilling in her life, Mija begins taking a poetry class at the local cultural center. Although challenging because of her disease, the class helps Mija to express her feelings and deal with a horrible, violent event that changes everything.

“Poetry” will be shown Wednesday, March 28, in the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center (PAC) at 2:15 and 7:15 p.m. Tickets are $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and free for Mercyhurst students with ID.

New director at the PAC!

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 13:47:25 -0400

Mercyhurst University announced today that we now have a new director for the Mercyhurst Institute for Arts & Culture: Jamie Grady.

Grady has almost 25 years of experience: 12 in nonprofit theater management and 12 in academia. He has an undergraduate degree in business management from Bentley College, a graduate degree in arts administration from Lesley College, and a certificate in nonprofit management from Duke University.

He says that the Erie community will see little change—the same amazing performances will still be present at the PAC.

However, he hopes to change students’ viewpoints about art and theater by offering ticket giveaways and chances to meet the artist through social media.

Read more on Mercyhurst’s website here: http://www.mercyhurst.edu/news/news-releases/article/?article_id=2578.

Spring term's first film showing

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 18:30:49 -0400

Tomorrow marks the first installment of the Langer Film Series, Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy, a film following the Cold War between Russia and the United States and United Kingdom.

It is the long-awaited film version of the best-selling British novel of the same name by John le Carre.

The film follows a dedicated operative named Jim and his mission to Hungary, which fails quickly. After his mission fails, he is rehired and the film follows his new mission, as well as the growing tensions that his mission and lieutenant have been compromised.

The novel has also been adapted for a miniseries by the BBC and has been eagerly awaited by the public.

Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy will show in the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center (PAC) tomorrow at 2:15 and 7:15 p.m. Tickets are $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and free for Mercyhurst students with ID.

The rest of spring term's events

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 21:17:22 -0400

Hi everyone, here are the rest of the events for spring term. I will be sure to update if/when more get added!

Kurt Elling

Friday, May 11, at 8 p.m.

Jiro Dreams of Sushi

Wednesday, May 9, at 2:15 and 7:15 p.m.

Iron Lady

Wednesday, May 16, at 2:15 and 7:15 p.m.

The Descendants

Wednesday, May 23, at 2:15 and 7:15 p.m.

The Artist

Wednesday, May 30, at 2:15 and 7:15 p.m.

April's events

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 00:23:29 -0400

Hi all, here are the rest of the events for April at the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center (PAC). Also look out for May’s events soon!

Blast!

Wednesday, April 11, at 2:15 and 7:15 p.m.

Verdi’s La Triviata

Saturday, April 14, at 1 p.m.

BJM Danse Montreal

Tuesday, April 17, at 7:30 p.m.

Jane Eyre

Wednesday, April 18, at 2:15 and 7:15 p.m.

Fazil Say

Thursday, April 19, at 7:30 p.m.

Living Downstream

Wednesday, April 25 at 2:15 and 7:15 p.m.